Annual Meeting Pastor’s Report – February 4, 2024

February 4, 2024 Annual Meeting Slides

Sunday Services

See below for a link to the live streaming of our services or to see previous services:

YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYF6JWnNARixsYXmVVp-ImA/?guided_help_flow=5

May 23, 2024

“God in three persons, blessed Trinity” (from the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty).

Members and Friends of Valley,

On Trinity Sunday we proclaim the mystery of our faith in the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One-in-Three and Three-in-One.

In the Christian liturgical year, Trinity Sunday is the culmination of more than six months of seasons:  Christmas-Epiphany celebrating God’s taking flesh and dwelling among us in Jesus Christ; Easter celebrating Christ’s death and resurrection for us; Pentecost celebrating God the Holy Spirit becoming our Sanctifier, Guide, and Teacher.

As many times and ways that Christians attempt to explain the Trinity, it remains a mystery; God is one but expressed in different persons; unified but, also, in loving relationship.  Through our experiences and imaginations, we grow as individuals and a community by embracing this holy mystery.

In celebrating Trinity Sunday, we remember that every Lord’s Day is consecrated to the triune God.  On the first day of the week, God began creation.  On the first day of the week, God raised Jesus from the grave.  On the first day of the week, the Holy Spirit descended on the newly born church.  Every Sunday is special.  Every Sunday is a day of the Holy Trinity.

May this be our prayer for this day and time:

Holy, triune God,
all that is,
all that was,
and all that ever will be belongs to you alone.
You have spoken to us through your Word made flesh.
Now guide us into the truth
by the gift of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may glorify you forever and ever.
(from the Book of Common Worship)

In Christ,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Knitting For Others

Inviting all folks from 12-100 years of age, who like to knit or who would like to learn, to be a part of Valley’s Knitting Group.  We will be knitting special items like prayer shawls, blankets, and other helpful and comforting items for our members and people in our community.

The group will meet (come when your schedule allows):
June
Sunday, June 9 — 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18 — 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
July
Sunday, July 14 — 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23 — 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

For questions, please call one of our Co-Chairs, Beverly or Bev:

Beverly Wahl – 502-553-7255

Bev Keough – 330-888-5385

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LINKS

Church YouTube Channel

The livestream of the worship service is being broadcast via the Valley YouTube channel using this link:

Link to YouTube Live

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to service bulletin:

Sunday, May 26, 2024 service bulletin

May 16, 2024

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:4)

Members and Friends of Valley,

Some of you may know that I am a golf enthusiast.  For me, there is nothing more peaceful than an early morning round alone on a quiet course, trying to sync your mind and body to execute the perfect shot.  For me, it is an apt analogy for the journey of life as we each seek to be our best and most faith-filled selves.

This week, the PGA Championship, one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, is being played at Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, KY.  I have never played that particular course, but I did attend a practice round at a tournament years ago and watched the seemingly larger-than-life professionals prepare themselves to compete later that week.  I could tell that each player had their own precise routine to get ready for each shot.

The PGA Tournament is unique because, in addition to the best professionals from around the world, twenty other PGA members – teaching professionals who do not regularly play tournaments – are included in the field.  They compete in qualifying tournaments for the chance to – for this one tournament – to play alongside and against the touring professionals.

This week, we read the Pentecost story from Acts, chapter two, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the gathered disciples of Jesus, allowing them to speak in languages understood by people in Jerusalem from around the ancient world.  Some of them would have been considered religious professionals, but others were just regular folk – women and men, young and old – who would not have been expected to possess this gift.

But, the scripture tells us that “all of them,” each and every person, was filled with the Holy Spirit.  All participated in this same miraculous event.

As Christians, we believe in this democratization of ministry; in the priesthood of all believers.  All people – no matter their age, gender, background, or experience – are participants in the ministry of Jesus:  showing mercy and compassion, bringing peace and healing, proclaiming good news in word and deed.  All are filled with the Holy Spirit of God; there is really no such thing as a professional Christian.

I think, sometimes, each of us – whether lay or ordained, lifelong Christian or new believer – needs this reminder.  Every person is gifted, though not in the same ways.  Everyone is loved, accepted, and called by God to minister in their own way.  We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and routines, but each contributes to the body of Christ and its ministry to the world.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity to live and work and walk alongside one another on this journey of life.

In Peace,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Knitting For Others

Inviting all folks from 12-100 years of age, who like to knit or who would like to learn, to be a part of Valley’s Knitting Group.  We will be knitting special items like prayer shawls, blankets, and other helpful and comforting items for our members and people in our community.

The group will meet:

Wednesday, May 22 — 10:30 a.m. – noon

For questions, please call one of our Co-Chairs, Beverly or Bev:

Beverly Wahl – 502-553-7255

Bev Keough – 330-888-5385

Graduate Recognition

This Sunday, May 19, we will be honoring graduates from high school, college, and other training or degree programs.  If you would like a family member to be recognized in that Sunday’s bulletin, please contact the church office with the information.  Thank you.

Church Work Days

Saturday, May 18 / Sunday, May 19

Our church building and grounds require many helping hands to keep it functional and beautiful. There will be tools and jobs available on Saturday, May 18 (9 a.m. to noon) and after church on Sunday, May 19 for those who would like to help. You can, also, pitch in a different time at your convenience. Please see Elder Jerry Moreno for project ideas.

Pass-it-on Resale Store

The store will be open this weekend on:
Friday, May 17, 2024 (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
Saturday, May 18, 2024 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

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LINKS

Church YouTube Channel

The livestream of the worship service is being broadcast via the Valley YouTube channel using this link:

Link to YouTube Live

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to service bulletin:

Sunday, May 19, 2024 Service Bulletin

Pass-It-On Mission Store